Ahmedabad: Forest officials recovered 38 migratory birds from three houses in Dharji village near Nalsarovar during a raid conducted on Thursday. One of the birds was found dead. According to the authorities, this is probably the biggest recovery of illegally kept birds from inside residential premises in the area.Sakkira Begum, deputy conservator of forests (DCF), Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Wildlife Division, Sanand, said that the raid was conducted by Deepak Solanki, range forest officer (RFO), Nalsarovar, along with his team following a tip-off.
During inspection of the premises, officials found birds being kept illegally, many with their wings tied. “The house owner was not present at the time of the raid,” the officials said.Aradhana Sahu, chief conservator of forests, Wildlife Circle, Gandhinagar, said that the rescued migratory birds were sent to the Wildlife Care Centre in Bodakdev for medical treatment and care. The village sarpanch accompanied the team during the raid. “From the three houses, the team seized 38 birds as offence material. Officials also recovered items allegedly used for bird capture and related activities, including one bird-hunting net, one reel of Chinese thread, and kites. The houses were sealed in the presence of the surpanch, and legal proceedings were initiated,” said an official.Authorities said one of the seized birds was found dead, while 37 were alive. The officials said that the accused are currently absconding, and efforts to trace and apprehend them are underway. The names provided by officials include Ramesh Padhar and his wife Dharmi Padhar, Suresh Padhar, and Vala Padhar. Suresh and Vala are brothers.
